Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA The scales of justice. Or perhaps they should simply be viewed as balance scales. At any rate they ought to be on display daily in Congress and all congressional offices. It might be just my lone opinion but Congress has been perpetually out of balance for years. Congressman seem to have acquired more of a taste for the hunt (campaigning) than for the work the people elect them to do. I know, the last congress did work hard. Hard at passing legislation they themselves didn't read (most notably ObamaCare), or if they did they failed to understand their own laws. Most certainly they acted in all manners of irrationality and passed bills and that obviously have failed to right our ship or build a stronger foundation. But the gamesmanship will continue. Congressman Boehner (soon to be Speaker of the House), and Mitch McConnell (Senate minority leader) in a joint letter said... next to nothing. Or at least nothing we haven't heard ma

By Bastiatarian From at least as early as the first leftist attacks on F.A. Hayek's classic work The Road To Serfdom , the blind and ignorant in both major American political parties have been saying "Can't happen here!" Although I understand their reluctance to accept the idea that the United States is walking a path strikingly similar to that taken by such totalitarian collectivist states as Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union (which had few meaningful differences between them), the parallels are there for all to see. With so many decades of socialization of the United States in accordance with the stated aims of the Communist Party, only the hopelessly blind or the hopelessly indoctrinated could fail to see that it is already happening here . The federal government is in everything we do, and almost none of it protects our rights to our life, liberty, or property. Government in today's America is all about power. If it were not, then we would be li

Some quotes just for fun, or maybe to reflect on. May each be their own judge as to their value.. When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.    To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.    The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind. The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.  Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains. I predict

It is hard to believe nowadays, but the words libertarian and liberal both have roots in the word liberty.  Roger Cohen is the rare American liberal who still stands up for our constitutionally protected rights, while casting a jaundiced eye on the government that is supposed to protect them. Mr. Cohen has written an excellent article criticizing airport security, big government, and the damage they are doing to our society.  All excerpts are from his NY Times article, The Real Threat to America . Like most of us, he doesn't see government as evil, but more as a blundering behemoth that tramples our rights while trying to "save" us. He also displays an understanding of human nature that our founders displayed when they crafted our divided and limited government... Give a bureaucrat a big stick and a big budget, allow said bureaucrat to trade in the limitless currency of human anxiety, and the masses will soon be intimidated by the Department of Fear.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Engaging in the process of reasoning and the often enlightened thought it brings can be a very intimidating and even threatening process. It quite often requires one to analyse not only the views of others, but also to analyse ones own {often long held} beliefs as well. The result can be, and often is, the realization that our most "sacred beliefs" can be legitimately brought into question. I offer the words of one of America's great early thinkers. A philosopher and the third President of these United States, Thomas Jefferson. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.     I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.   I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of o

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Tolerance. Ah yes. As Americans, guided by our sense of fair play and a deep belief in the virtue of tolerance and understanding we must analyse how our American society caused this relative youth to plot his terrorist actions. I give you the following excerpts from the an Associated Press article reported out of the Portland, Oregon bureau:  A Somali-born teenager plotted "a spectacular show" of terrorism for months, saying he didn't mind that children would die if he bombed a crowded Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, according to a law-enforcement official and court documents . He never got the chance. Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, was arrested Friday in downtown Portland after using a cell phone to try to detonate what he thought were explosives in a van, prosecutors said. Certainly there must be an underlying societal  driven reason that a nineteen year old individual would plot the destruction of human life as he  acknow

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA While perusing the internet late night on what was a relatively slow day for substantial news I happened upon the following article in The Daily Caller . The well written article was all about how the Tea Party and Freedomworks President Matt Kibbe are teaming up "to promote responsible, sound business practices, and beginning next year, the two will begin encouraging supporters to boycott big business that lobbies for a “progressive” agenda." As a strong advocate of free market laissez faire capitalism this sounds all good and well. After all what is more American than a market unfettered by  unnecessary and restrictive regulation, government subsidies, and crony capitalism. A market that would determine the winners and losers based solely on consumer demand for a companies product and the competitiveness of each company in a given market. It works for me, and I would fathom to guess it works for most Americans that believe in

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Congressman Ron Paul once again standing up {and doing something} on behalf of the beleaguered American  citizen. Supporting them and addressing the ridiculous statism that threatens our very liberties. Congressmen Paul introduced HR 6414 on November 17th following the TSA's use of  intrusive full body scans and pat downs. The belief these measures will prevent  terrorism or insure a safer more secure nation is at best just wishful thinking. HR 6414: A BILL – HR 6416 To ensure that certain Federal employees cannot hide behind immunity. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. NO IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN AIRPORT SCREENING METHODS. No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a Federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives Federal funds, who subjects an individual to any physical contact (including conta

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Cher, while promoting her upcoming movie let all know her thoughts on the Tea Party. As can be expected from a singer/entertainer her words were less than profound. h/t: THE BLAZE Sometimes Cher it is better to remain silent. Via: Memeorandum

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Could anyone have ever imagined that the  highly competent  inept Congress that passed ObamaCare would have let a mere 47 word mistake slip through? A mistake that could cost children's hospitals millions in additional cost. The Boston Globe reporting (excerpts): Partisan tensions on Capitol Hill are delaying efforts to fix an error in the federal health care law that could cost Children’s Hospital Boston and others like it millions of dollars in added drug costs. Correcting the error would require changing just 47 words in the 1,880-page law, a task that a previous Congress might have accomplished in an afternoon. Instead, with Republicans fighting to repeal the health care bill rather than fix it and Democrats loath to acknowledge its flaws, months have passed with no resolution, and prospects for one in the lame-duck session are limited.  “We’re using expensive drugs for really sick kids,’’ said Joshua Greenberg, vice presiden

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA The video above illustrates the extreme religious intolerance that is the hallmark of Islam. Yet the progressive establishment would have American citizens believe we, and the Christian religion are the intolerant ones. After viewing the video, and reflecting on 911 as well as other atrocities that have been committed in the name of Islam and their God Allah,   RN   USA leaves it to each and every tolerant American, whether they be conservative or liberal, to make their own rational determination and distinction. Cross posted to the Left Coast Rebel . Via:  Memeorandum Via: The Jawa Report

WHEREAS, It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; WHEREAS, Both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA For all the "Palinista's out there who are clamoring for a presidential run by former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin (who I remind you quit in mid stream when Governor) I direct you to some telling numbers. While it is perhaps early yet Sarah has been dogged by greater negative polling numbers than positive. Given a reasoned analysis I don't see this changing. Particularly in light of her continuing missteps . While Sarah is a likable person with a folksy demeanor America in large share just isn't comfortable with a potential President Palin. Following are excerpts from recent Marist polling data : If President Obama were to face off against Republican Sarah Palin and independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2012, 45% of registered voters nationally say they would vote for Obama, 31% would support Palin, and 15% would cast their ballot for Bloomberg.  Nine percent are undecided. Looking at the contest for the 2

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA If there was any doubt Sarah Palin lacked the gravitas and intelligence to be this nation's chief executive she has removed all doubt. After her pronouncements today there should be be no doubt in anyones mind. The audio clip of Sarah's pronouncements (link below) at best illustrates her lack of focus. At worst it brings into question her basic intelligence. Sarah Palin's remarks on North Korea. So, Tea Party members and those others enamored of her folksy Alaskan charm, think long hard about encouraging her to run for President on the Republican ticket in 2012 or anytime thereafter. For if she should seek the nomination and win it will insure that the Demotheft party wins the Presidency. Sarah Palin is the Republican w= equivalent of Joe Biden. Come to think of it had the U.S. stayed clear of the Korean civil war in 1950 we wouldn't be facing this situation today. An example of the Military Industrial Complex and the Uni

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Does anyone really expect the Senate to pass the three year moratorium on earmarks? For that matter did anyone ever really believe the effort would muster enough support to clear the high hurdle set for passage by Harry Reid.? A question that also occurred to me is if earmarks are a practice that deserves to be banned for three years would it not stand to reason they ought to banned permanently? So much for cutting wasteful spending. The fact is most legislatures DO NOT WANT an earmark moratorium any more than they want permanent banning of the "bring home the bacon" rewards program designed to show their constituencies how much they did for them. It's one of the means they are able to employ to "put a feather in their cap" come reelection time. Further, for those who hold out high hopes the incoming Republithug Congress will do any more than the current  Demotheft Congress did to control spending, you are looking t

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Chris Walsh, fellow conservative blogger over at my thoughts on freedom  recently had his first article published in the Tenth Amendment Center.  A strong advocate of limited government he offers an intriguing alternatives to stem the growth of our Leviathan federal government and return more power to the states. Here are a couple breif excerpts from his article: The federal government relies on plunder, mainly in the form of income taxes, to feed it’s overreaching tentacles and this is perfectly Constitutional as set forth in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 along with the Sixteenth Amendment. These do not however specify how these taxes are to be collected and currently the Internal Revenue Service is charged with this task. But what if the states had the ability to take control of the purse strings and starve the beast back to it’s enumerated powers? We the people, through our state legislatures would have the ability to affirm what we bel

by:  Les Carpenter  Rational Nation USA I certainly never thought I would find myself commenting on the insignificance of a dance competition here at RN USA. However, given that  Bristol Palin's climb to the finals on Dancing With the Stars has created such an unreasoned response from the political pundits I just can not help myself. How a dance competition is even remotely connected to "Power To The People"  is beyond me. DWTS is a program that showcases an individual's "celebrity"  status (in Bristol's case by association), gives them the opportunity to gain greater exposure and claim a dance title if they have dancing talent, and I presume have a good deal of fun in the process. Competitive dancing, and realize DWTS is competition; is not, nor should it be, a competition of popularity nor should it have a damn thing to do with anything other than talent and ability. I realize the success of the finalist left standing when the music stops is

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA As an  independent conservative I am amused at the possibility of Sarah Palin running for president in 2012. In fact if one just listens to the talking points (approved of course by the Republican establishment) she comes across as a strong and well spoken candidate. Sarah is attractive, if not down right sexy. She is articulate in a folksy sort of way. She actually has more executive experience than Barrack Hussein Obama. She plays well to the evangelical Christian base of the Republican party. And she can claim the mantle of spokesperson for Tea Party movement. She energizes the most vocal in the limited government and liberty movement.  And she is all for taking back America. So what could possibly give  conservatives (real conservatives) pause? Perhaps the answer is... regardless of her popularity and star quality (remember Obama) she lacks the experience and gravitas that one occupying the oval office should posses. I personally lik

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA In the beginning the original concept for this blog, Rational Nation USA, was quite different than what it eventually became. Since its inception on June 29th of 2009  this site has been a strong advocate  for limited  responsib le government, true liberty, and fiscally sound economic policy . The site's  Conservative Manifesto clearly spells out the principles for which it stands. It continues to stand by these principles, unequivocally. So you may ask, what then was the original concept for Rational Nation USA ? In a nutshell, it was envisioned to be a forum that would present political views from the right, the center, and the left. In other words a political cross section of American viewpoints. The challenge of course was to line up a moderate and a liberal with the interest and time to take a single issue and present their views in a respectful and persuasive manner. Of course yours truly was to be the bona fide independent c

by Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA As an independent conservative - classical liberal I watch, read, and listen to the tone of todays political snark. I have certainly enjoyed my many snarky posts and the battles I have waged against the "modern liberal theology." Which is to say the "redistribute the wealth" cadre of Americans that essentially desire European style socialism. My fellow conservative blogger and friend Tim Daniel, who operates the Left Coast Rebel blog had an interesting post up this past Sunday. It essentially was aimed at the whole "redistribution of wealth" through taxation debate. As an individual (I can only represent myself at this point) I agree with the points he made in his post. Below is a snapshot of his post; Rich articulates the inner rationale by which the newspaper’s liberal readership justify their political prejudices. He lends his Harvard-educated eloquence to these prejudices, providing his readers with reassura